The wait is over as the Regina Pats and Saskatoon Blades will drop the puck in their first round matchup tonight at the SaskTel Centre.
Regina will return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. The Pats and Blades are facing off in the post-season for the first time since 2006.
It has been awhile since the Pats defeated the Blades in the playoffs, the last time that happened was back in 1993. In the six all-time playoff-series, the two teams have each won three series.
Coverage of tonight’s game on 620 CKRM will begin with an extended pre-game show at 6:10, Dante De Caria will have the play-by-play from SaskTel Centre beginning at 7:00.
Regina and Saskatoon were familiar foes in March, squaring off three times. During the final week of the season, the two teams split a pair of matchups in the Bridge City. On Sunday, March 19th, the Blades established a new record for attendance. Connor Bedard scored his 70th goal of the season that afternoon.
Bedard finished the regular season on top the Western Hockey League (WHL) leaders for Goals (71) Assists (74) and Points (145). Along with the Pats captain, Tanner Howe and Alexander Suzdalev also had standout seasons up front for the blue, red and white. Howe ended up with 36 goals 45 assists and 85 points in 67 games this season. Suzdalev led the WHL rookies in goals (38) assists (48) and points (86). Stanislav Svozil finished the 2022-23 campaign third overall in points (78) for defenceman.
Goalie Drew Sim will have to play big role for the Pats in order for them to score a first-round upset. He says that it’s exciting to back in the playoffs.
“This what you strive for every season, so to be in this position is awesome. ”
With the Pats offensive firepower, the goalie knows that he will be counted on to make the big save for his team in the series.
“We’re not really a team that’s built to win 1-0 hockey game.”
He added, “I think if I do my job and keep them to as little as possible, we will have no problem scoring three or four goals.”
Saskatoon were the winners of the season-series between the two squads as the Blades took four of the six contests.
The Blades are led by the three Second Eastern All-Stars, Trevor Wong, Aidan De La Gorgendiere and Austin Elliott. Wong led the Blades in points (86) and assists (59) while De La Gorgendiere finished tied for seventh amongst all WHL blueliners in points (65) and power play assists (31).
Elliot split duties with Ethan Chadwick who appeared in 34 games while the former Notre Dame Hound played in 37 contests.
Game 2 of the series will go Sunday afternoon from the SaskTel Centre, pre-game coverage on 620 CKRM begins with the pre-game show at 3:10, opening faceoff at 4:00.
The series will shift back to the Queen City on Tuesday for Game 3.
